Click here to go to the NEW College Discussion Forum

Both Oxford and Cambridge are internationally recognized universities? But how about Imperial College and LSE? Do they also have global reputation? Are they comparable to Ivy League Schools?

By Uncchlocalmayor (Uncchlocalmayor) on Thursday, June 26, 2003 - 02:51 am: Edit

good grief! you're asking a STUPID question! Oxford is the oldest modern college! est. 1216.

By Yahni (Yahni) on Thursday, June 26, 2003 - 03:33 am: Edit

I don' t know if I am asking a stupid question or not but definitely you are giving a stupid answer. Just read the question again U will see what I ask!!!

By Dschnapps (Dschnapps) on Thursday, June 26, 2003 - 03:47 am: Edit

I've never heard of the last two whereas almost anyone has heard of HYPS, so I'm not sure they're in the same league at least in terms of recognition.

By Princess_Eab (Princess_Eab) on Thursday, June 26, 2003 - 10:18 am: Edit

LSE is internationally known for economics, and of course this isn't a stupid question. It's very famous in academic circles. It doesn't have the name recognition from the guy on the street, but it's top-ranked for many things. If it's best for what programs you want you should definitely go there!! See www.guardian.co.uk and search for "university guide". You can look up your subject and see how it is ranked at each UK university.
Imperial College is well-known for science and math as being excellent, but again, mainly in the UK and academic circles. Your average dumb American on the street (esp. one without science/ math/ economics higher education) will only recognize Oxford. But who do you care about? others in your field or some dumb guy on the street?
... and I'm not saying Oxbridge isn't great. (I'm going to one of them.) Just that for science and math, other schools are also quite wonderful and really deserve to be looked at.
Check out the University Guide and it should be quite informative, good luck!

By O71394658 (O71394658) on Thursday, June 26, 2003 - 10:39 am: Edit

LSE is definitely internationally known. Its generally recognized as the top school in the world concerning economics and political science.

By Yahni (Yahni) on Thursday, June 26, 2003 - 11:18 am: Edit

Princess,

To tell the truth, I am currently student at Stanford, and considering to apply Imperial for postgraduate studies. I am not sure, if it makes sense to go to Imperial after Stanford? That is why I am asking people's opinion?

By Princess_Eab (Princess_Eab) on Thursday, June 26, 2003 - 11:53 am: Edit

Yahni, if you're at Stanford now you've got a good base for applying to Cam and Ox.... they really like big-name schools. But the good thing is they really do evaluate you on experience, writing skills, and quality of recs and research proposal. I went to a tier-2 liberal arts college and felt that would put me at a disadvantage but it didn't seem to.
I would apply to the four you listed. It depends on what you want to study and if your program is ranked highly at those four. You need to apply to a variety of schools-- top, middle, and safety, obviously. (Be aware that to get $$, the Cambridge Trusts forms deadline is in November. Also, you can only apply to either C or O, not both, and Oxford apps are due in October, I believe.)
If you're into big names, apply to them, but apply to other good schools too. your Stanford degree will work for you no matter where you go to grad school. Consider top programs, not just name value. and location, of course.

By Yahni (Yahni) on Thursday, June 26, 2003 - 12:14 pm: Edit

Princess, the thing is I am in engineering school, and I already got accepted from Stanford and Berkeley for postgraduate program. However, as far as I know Imperial is one of the biggest names in engineering, science and technology. And probably the best profs in my subject are there at Imperial. And besides all of these it is located just in the central London, should be fun, I hope. Does it really matter to go to Cambridge or Imperial? I mean the global reputation, is it really so different?

By Princess_Eab (Princess_Eab) on Thursday, June 26, 2003 - 12:53 pm: Edit

Well, I guess it depends on what you want to do in Engineering. I know very little about the field and what one does with its postgraduate degrees. If you're going this fall you don't have enough time to apply, but if you're talking about fall 2004 then you do.
The money factor is important. I don't know how expensive Berkeley and Stanford are, but tuition across the board in London univs (more expensive because it's London) is around 9000 pounds, or at least $14,000. And the cost of living/ rent in London is twice as much as anywhere else. I was at Imperial for study abroad and it's lovely, but it's so expensive. It's situated in Kensington, one of the poshest areas. And programs generally don't have a lot of money to give out for doctoral students, unlike here.
If you need a global reputation or international research for what you're interested in, and you have the cash or are willing to take out loans, go for it. (I'm doing a year at Cambridge for medieval studies, in which UK research is very useful.) It wouldn't hurt to request information from LSE and Imperial and the Oxbridges. Just know that to have any chance at scholarships you have to apply early.
Both Stanford and Berkeley are fantastic, and unless you really really love the UK, have the cash and/or need international research experience I would consider staying in the US. It just depends on what you want to do. Why don't you talk to your current econ. profs and see what they think? they'll know better than I will.

By Yahni (Yahni) on Thursday, June 26, 2003 - 01:24 pm: Edit

Princess, Since you know the area, I want to ask a question? Of course, it depends on the person, but how much money could be enough to live in London excluding the tution fees of Imperial? Would 10k pounds ($16k) be enough for living costs + rent (I guess it should be very high in London, not higher than Bay Area though).

By Princess_Eab (Princess_Eab) on Thursday, June 26, 2003 - 01:31 pm: Edit

I think that would cover it. I know that universities elsewhere ask you to have about 8000 pounds for rent/ expenses.

By Arealtexan (Arealtexan) on Friday, June 27, 2003 - 12:26 pm: Edit

I would say that the LSE and Imperial College have a global reputation. They tend to not have much of a reputation in the US, but that is for other reasons. But you'll find a lot of the best and brightest from the continent and the commonwealth at the various constituents of the University of London (and the other redbricks in the UK).

Also, London is more expensive than the Bay Area. According to the Economist's regular surveys on this subject, at least.

By Yahni (Yahni) on Friday, June 27, 2003 - 05:07 pm: Edit

Areal, you look like familiar with UK, What would you think, is 10k pound (per year) enough for London?

By Uncchlocalmayor (Uncchlocalmayor) on Friday, June 27, 2003 - 09:38 pm: Edit

My reply was an IMPLYING something, stupid.

By Yahni (Yahni) on Friday, June 27, 2003 - 10:47 pm: Edit

then I misunderstood, I am sorry uncc.. whatever it is. I am trying to get some idea from people who really know something. but thanks you are very helpful.

By Arealtexan (Arealtexan) on Saturday, June 28, 2003 - 07:43 am: Edit

I've lived in the UK for about four years now. 10k should be enough for London, but just don't expect to be living an extravagant lifestyle whilst there. That said, there are plenty of things to do for cheap or free, and members of the National Union of Students (pretty much all students) get discounts on plenty of things.

By Ladyvamp (Ladyvamp) on Tuesday, July 08, 2003 - 09:54 am: Edit

Yahni:

In the UK it would be UCL AS well as Imperial and LSE. I live quite close to UCL and LSE and it's basically up to the individual what they want to get out from these universities. LOTS of bright people go to the LSE and there is a very strong academic ethos at the LSE. At UCL (which is prcatically next door to my school, by the way!) you will find lots of white middle class students. UCL has a very strong reputation, esp around London. Oh, and don't listen to 071394658! LSE is good for lots of subjects and its not just renowned for Econ and Pol Sci it's Internationally renowned for ALL their subjects.

Aisha

By Moshe (Moshe) on Tuesday, July 08, 2003 - 10:20 am: Edit

London (Imperial, LSE, UCL) don't offer as nice a undergraduate experience as Oxbridge, I'm sure - with post-graduate focus, and generally poorer accomodation. But as far as finances and research - and post-graduate reputation for research - are concerned they're at least on the same level.

Another thing, prices are exactly the same - equally high - across Oxford, Cambridge and London.

By Yahni (Yahni) on Wednesday, July 09, 2003 - 04:20 pm: Edit

Ladyvamp,

Thank you very much for the message. Since you live in London, then you should know how expensive it is. I would like to know, how much would it cost to rent a reasonable place close to Imperial (South Kensington)? Do you think, 10K pounds/year would be enough for London (including life expenses + rent).

By Arealtexan (Arealtexan) on Thursday, July 10, 2003 - 03:50 am: Edit

There is no way you'll find something for 10K a year in South Kensington without it being student accomodation or a really grotty dive. I think they have graduate student halls of residence at Imperial, you might want to check those out? Or look for somewhere a little further afield? The Tube means that you can get around London very quickly.

By Diablo (Diablo) on Thursday, September 18, 2003 - 08:45 am: Edit

Of course you'll find something around Imperial for under 10K a year and for it not to be "student accomodation or a really grotty dive". It is managable...but requres tight budgeting and a large group of friends to go find accomodation with! There's limited post-grad accomodation available at Imperial, so my recommendation is that you look for accomodation yourself through the Imperial Private Housing Accomodation Office. You'll find great places around Fulham and Chelsea that won't break the bank (as has been my experience Areal) though travelling further out has certain drawbacks. It has also been my experience that you'll find cheaper accomodation by moving further out, but will have to pay quite a bit for Zone 1- whatever travel cards. Net result being that near or far away from Imperial, you'll end up paying the same amount on average (£100 a week).

My advice would be to contact the accomodation office and enquire about anyone asking for people to share flats/houses this next year (economies of scale). Or enquire about the possibility of acquiring accomodation at Clayponds.

And YES!!!! Of course Imperial has a huge global reputation in Science and Engineering. (Especially in Engineering).

Stanford isn't up to much in Engineering terms so I've heard!?

By Iris (Iris) on Tuesday, December 30, 2003 - 12:29 am: Edit

wow this entire convo has really freaked me out.
I live in India and am considering applying to LSE next year but the living expenses keep throwing me off track.Would persuing an undergraduate course at LSE be a good bet?especially if it means living a tight budget life?

By Arealtexan (Arealtexan) on Tuesday, December 30, 2003 - 06:12 am: Edit

Plenty of other students will be in the tight budget life boat with you, Iris, I wouldn't worry too much about it if I were you. LSE is a good bet, and the chances are that you'll be "investing in your future" by living frugally during your student years.

By Iris (Iris) on Tuesday, December 30, 2003 - 10:25 pm: Edit

lol thanks that really puts things into perspective!im considering a course in economics and mathematics at LSE.and am currently working on my personal statement.Iwas wondering whether i should enter only LSE in the UCAS form and mention it specificlly in my essay...coz i dont think its worth spending a little less money in going to ny other uni in UK. might as well go all out rite?!(hope i get into LSE though!)are warwick,bristol,nottingham or cardiff ny good?

By Arealtexan (Arealtexan) on Wednesday, December 31, 2003 - 04:39 am: Edit

Warwick, Bristol, Nottingham and Cardiff are all good (Cardiff being the weakest of those you have listed). Only put only LSE if you really only want to go to the LSE and would never consider studying anywhere else in a million years. And for heaven's sake only specifically mention LSE in the UCAS application if you decide to only apply to LSE!

And as regards "spending a little less money", LSE costs more because it is in London. You'd find the same sort of prices at UCL, KCL, etc. etc.

As you have asked about accomodation at LSE in another thread I'll answer you here. This is the relevant page on LSE's website about living in halls of residence:

http://www.lse.ac.uk/accommodation/RES_intro.htm

At most universities in the UK (excluding Oxford and Cambridge who provide accomodation for all three years regardless) students live in halls of residence for the first year. In subsequent years, some students get to remain in halls - and priority is given to international students. However, due to the LSE's unique position of having +- 50% of its students from overseas, this may not be the case (they make no mention of preference to international students on their site).

The university does, however, provide you with all sorts of services to help you find private accomodation if you are forced to live out.

By Iris (Iris) on Wednesday, December 31, 2003 - 07:55 am: Edit

hey thanks a ton arealtexan uve been of great help!its killing me this UCAS it is!i guess ill put down a few more unis other than LSE conidering they r good....dont wanna come out as overconfident by entering only one.!
are there ny part time jobs for extra spending money for undergrads?

By Arealtexan (Arealtexan) on Wednesday, December 31, 2003 - 09:57 am: Edit

Of course there are jobs for undergraduates. There are lots of jobs in London.

However, you'll have to check on the details of whether or not you are entitled to work in the UK.